Triple success for Kai

Bridges Project client Kai Duff has in the space of a couple of months secured a college place, a part-time job and an award at school.

Life is great for the 18-year-old from Prestonpans, who recently started working for Midlothian Sure Start’s family learning centres across Midlothian. They have also just attended an awards ceremony at Preston Lodge High School, where they received an award for upholding the school value of respect. Furthermore, they will start an HNC Childhood Practice course at Edinburgh College this autumn.

These successes have all come after Kai started receiving support from Bridges Project’s Way2Work East Lothian service just before Christmas.

“I started engaging with Bridges Project to try and gain some self-confidence and to learn how to be more social and be outgoing,” said the teenager.

 They were referred to Way2Work East Lothian’s Employability Support Worker Mhairi Kiernan, who soon helped Kai to build their confidence and self-esteem, apply to college and move on from school. The pair have also worked together to update Kai’s CV and write cover letters. In addition, they have done some travel training to build confidence in using public transport and allow the Prestonpans resident more independence and freedom.

 Kai, who has also participated in Bridges Project’s peer-led LGBTQI+ group SAGE (Sexuality And Gender Equality), believes the charity has been integral in securing their college place and part-time job.

“I am so proud of how far I have come and so grateful for the support from everyone at Bridges Project. I feel I have developed a lot since I started working with Bridges Project. I am more outgoing and I feel more confident in myself,” said the 18-year-old.

Kai is passionate about childcare and has already completed shifts in Midlothian Sure Start’s Woodburn, Penicuik, Mount Esk and Mayfield branches as part of their part-time job with the organisation. When they complete their college degree, they will also be a qualified childcare practitioner. The Way2Work East Lothian client dreams about making the same difference to children’s lives as Bridges Project has made to theirs.

“I want to give young children the best start in life and make sure they get the same help and support as I got,” said Kai.

Their Employability Support Worker, whose service is funded by East Lothian Council’s One Council Partnership Fund, says she is incredibly proud of Kai and how far they have come.

“They were very timid and shy initially but within in a matter of weeks, we started working at breaking down barriers whilst building up their confidence. They are such a bright and energetic person and I just love how confident they are, seeing them smile more and hearing of the activities they have taken part in,” said Mhairi.

She has high hopes for Kai’s future.

“They are smashing their goals and I know they can do anything they set their mind too!” said the Employability Support Worker.